Salsarita’s, the Fresh Mexican Cantina with locations across the country, announces a new development agreement that will bring four new locations to the Chattanooga area by April 2017.

The development will be helmed by Laxmi Chattanooga Inc., an entity led by developer H.P. Patel and his business partners, including managing partner Joey Gaspard, who will be in charge of day-to-day operations. The agreement covers the Tennessee counties of Hamilton, Marion, Polk, and Bradley, as well as the Georgia counties of Whitfield, Walker, Dade, and Catoosa. The first location is expected to open by April 2014.

“We’re incredibly excited to announce our plans for development in Chattanooga,” says Salsarita’s CEO Phil Friedman. “H.P. and his partners have proven themselves to be outstanding developers with a passion for the Salsarita’s brand. He is a great example of the ideal multi-unit franchise partner.”

Salsarita’s also operates one existing Chattanooga restaurant at 2115 Gunbarrel Road. A Salsarita’s franchisee since 2004, Patel also owns seven locations in the Knoxville area with an eighth slated to open late this spring. He has been recognized as Salsarita’s Franchisee of the Year three times, and Knoxville continues to be one of the brand’s highest performing markets.

“Chattanooga is the perfect market for Salsarita’s,” H.P. said. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in Knoxville, and I’m eager to carry over that success and help expand this fantastic brand throughout Tennessee.”

H.P. attributes his franchising success, even in a tough economic climate, to his partners’ and employees’ dedication to customer service and their passion for the Salsarita’s brand.

“We work incredibly hard to make sure all of our guests are happy – success is that simple,” he said. “In today’s economy, money is tight and people eat out less, but we’ve kept our customer base strong by providing top-quality service and truly fantastic food – principles we’ll continue to uphold in Chattanooga.”

Founded in 2000 in Charlotte, North Carolina, Salsarita’s offers Mexican favorites such as signature Casaritos, Mexican pizza-inspired Cantizzas, and an assortment of tacos, quesadillas, and nachos made fresh to order with an extensive selection of proteins, toppings, and fillings, as well as six flavorful house-made salsas. The company has more than 80 franchised locations in 19 states. Two restaurants are company-owned. Salsarita’s expects to have at least 10 new restaurants and four to six franchise agreements signed before the end of 2013, with long-range projections calling for over 300 locations nationwide over the next several years.